Pelicans’ Brandon Ingram Follows Zion Williamson in Leaving Agency
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In a surprising development, Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans has announced his departure from his agency, Excel Sports, less than 24 hours after his teammate Zion Williamson revealed his decision to leave Creative Artists Agency (CAA). According to reports by The Athletic’s Will Guillory and Kelly Iko, the Pelicans’ turmoil now extends off the court, further complicating their already challenging season.
Why Did Ingram and Williamson Leave Their Agencies?
For Zion Williamson, the decision stems from dissatisfaction over his contract’s structure and a reported desire to play in New York. Williamson’s contract, signed in January 2022, includes stipulations tied to his weight, making portions of the deal non-guaranteed—a factor that created a rift between him and CAA. Zion’s frustration with CAA’s inability to facilitate a move to New York also played a significant role in his decision.
Brandon Ingram, meanwhile, has not publicly shared his reasons for parting ways with Excel Sports. However, the timing of his announcement raises questions about whether the Pelicans’ current struggles influenced his decision.
A Season to Forget: Pelicans in Crisis
The Pelicans are currently 4-13, tied for the worst record in the Western Conference. Injuries have plagued the team, with stars like CJ McCollum and Trey Murphy III playing sparingly, while Dejounte Murray has appeared in only one game. Despite these challenges, head coach Willie Green remains optimistic.
In the latest ClutchPoints NBA Power Rankings, the Pelicans were ranked 25th, with some acknowledgment of their resilience amidst adversity:
“The Pelicans are a team decimated by injuries… Still, Willie Green’s squad has put up a lot of really strong fights in recent weeks.”
While the rankings try to highlight positives, it’s hard to ignore the dismal outlook for New Orleans as fans question whether Ingram and Williamson will remain long-term.
Zion Williamson’s Optimism Amid the Chaos
Zion recently addressed the team’s struggles, expressing hope for improvement as key players return:
“It’s very unfortunate… But as a team, we are keeping our spirits up. It’s a long season, and guys are starting to return. Hopefully, by January, we will be in full stride.”
Despite his encouraging words, speculation about Williamson’s future with the team persists, especially as his desire to play in New York becomes public knowledge.
What’s Next for the Pelicans?
The Pelicans return to action on Monday, November 25, against the Indiana Pacers. With the season slipping away, all eyes are on New Orleans’ leadership to salvage what remains. Will Ingram and Williamson’s decisions to leave their agencies signal deeper dissatisfaction with the franchise?
As the team battles injuries, off-court distractions, and poor performance, New Orleans fans are left wondering if their stars are gearing up for a departure—leaving the franchise to face yet another rebuild.
